Not obligatory to fit in

The feeling of belonging, being part of something far bigger than the individual items that constitute the whole, is a very comforting one. My angling adventures have seen me joining various clubs and societies over the course of my life. Likewise, birding has resulted in my involvement with the BTO, the Herts Bird Club and, most rewardingly, the Kent Ornithological Society  (KOS). I'd like to think that, whilst a member, my input into all of these organisations was a positive one, although I suppose that it's best left for others to pass judgement?

In June 2020 I'm no longer a member of any mainstream organisation or society. Obviously I have membership at a local syndicate fishery, thus am required to abide by their rules. however, in no way am I duty bound to become a provider of data. If I wish to tell others of my catches, it's entirely my decision. Likewise, with my bird sightings, moths, butterflies, odonata and absolutely anything else I encounter during my time spent outdoors. What some other folk consider important is simply enjoyment to me and, as such, unimportant beyond the boundaries of my time spent looking and learning. That I choose to use such material to compile a post on my blog, again, my decision. What ain't up for debate is that I have to submit this same information to whatever, whoever, feels the right to know! 

During my final years as a KOS member I was given some confidential information about breeding Red Kites, by a gamekeeper. I never did visit the nest site, yet admittedly, enjoyed some fantastic time watching the birds on the private estate where they had set up territory. Imagine my reaction when I received a message from a KOS committee member asking for details of the breeding attempt! You what? I'll send you my bank details too, shall I? If that gamekeeper had wanted to share the information with the KOS, it was for him to do so. Certainly not my place to abuse the trust that the guy had placed in me, by telling the rest of Kent! It was that incident, on top of being branded a liar by BBRC over the Booted Eagle saga, which tipped the balance and why I now have no desire to be party to any of this nonsense.

I'm happy to continue along life's pathway enjoying the creatures, and experiences they provide, as time elapses. If I feel the need, then I'll blog about my encounters. not because I have to but, because I want to. There is a huge difference between the two scenarios. Freedom of choice, the beauty of being an individual, after all "you'll never make a difference by being the same as everyone else"

I'll end it here with a photo of a Marsh Warbler. I've found quite a number of these very desirable birds whilst on my wanderings, sadly never managed a Blyth's Reed Warbler during those same adventures. 

One of these Marsh Warblers was at Stodmarsh NNR and was deliberately suppressed by the warden! If birders aren't able to see birds at a National Nature Reserve, what's the point of tax payers supporting them?  Another topic for another day?